Have you ever felt misunderstood, like no one else seems to see the world the way you do? Maybe you’ve faced situations where others reacted in ways that seemed confusing or completely different from how you would respond. Why do some people see opportunity where you see risk? Why does something that brings you joy leave someone else indifferent?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly attract opportunities, while others work just as hard but struggle to get noticed? According to Connected by Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler, the answer might not be all about how hard your work—your success may be more about where you stand in your social network.

Have you ever hurt someone without realizing it? Or been hurt by someone who didn’t even notice? This hit home for me when I discovered my character strengths through the VIA Survey. My top strength was humor, which I thought was great—until I realized how it affected my wife. Humor wasn't very high on her list, though she does have a great sense of humor. She laughs all of the time, but it isn't necessarily the first tool she would grab in a pinch.

Have you ever silently thought, "What’s wrong with you?" What you’re really asking is, "Why can’t you just be more like me?" Whether it’s your spouse, coworker, or child, this frustration often comes from an unconscious habit called projection. Projection happens when we expect others to approach situations the way we would. It creates tension, misalignment, and over time, erodes trust and collaboration.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right—putting in the effort, showing up for people, giving your best—but the world just isn’t giving anything back? You’re not alone. Most of us hit this wall at some point, wondering, What am I doing wrong?

Sometimes, it’s not the world that needs to change—it’s us.

Imagine understanding what makes the people around you extraordinary. Recognizing the strengths of others can transform how we connect with them—and stories help us see this more clearly. When we understand the unique talents people bring, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and new possibilities. As Donald Miller shares in Building a StoryBrand, stories invite us to step into someone else’s experience, to see the world through their eyes. And movies do this best.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “personal brand”? For many, it’s polished logos, perfect headshots, or a slick social media feed. For others, it might bring to mind peacocking—trying a little too hard to stand out. You’ve seen it before: someone who dominates the conversation with exaggerated stories, constantly name-drops, or interrupts to steer the focus back to themselves. It’s the person who seems more interested in impressing you than understanding you—leaving you feeling like an audience instead of an equal. But that’s not personal branding. That’s self-promotion—and let’s be honest, no one really likes it. When you understand and communicate your authentic personal brand, you’ll not only stand out—you’ll build trust, create meaningful connections, and attract the right opportunities.

We’ve all had that strange feeling that we’ve been somewhere or done something before—it’s called déjà vu. Déjà vu is one of those borrowed phrases, like faux pas, carpe diem, and vice versa. They’re the kind of expressions that add a little extra flair, capturing something in a way our usual words often can’t. I had a funny teacher who would intentionally say "versa vice," which cracked me up because it literally means "the other way around." But what if déjà vu was turned the other way around? That’s what comedian George Carlin wondered when he coined the term "vujà dé," showing his knack for seeing the ordinary in a completely new way. #CliftonStrengths

When we think about personal growth, we often draw upon different frameworks and perspectives to better understand ourselves and others. As a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach, I always find myself applying CliftonStrengths® to every personal development book I read. I recently read Above the Line by Stephen Klemich and Mara Klemich, PhD, and it struck me how their Four Principles model could serve as a practical tool to help us align and aim our strengths in real time.

As a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach and one of the owners of Worthington Realty in Fort Myers, FL, a fun thought hit me: What if we aligned people’s homes with their natural strengths? You know—imagine designing a home that not only fits your lifestyle but also reflects your natural talents. Then I thought, What if Frank Lloyd Wright—the mastermind of human-centered design—teamed up with Donald Clifton, the father of positive psychology? Together, they’d design a home that doesn’t just look good—it feels good, because it reflects who you are at your core.

Imagine growing up as the youngest of five kids—and the only boy. My life was shaped by incredible female leaders: my mom, my sisters, my aunts, my grandmothers, my teachers, and later, my wife and our daughters. This upbringing taught me resilience, compassion, and determination, and attending Women Excelle 2024 was a powerful reminder of just how much women are accomplishing and the challenges they’ve overcome. Each story was a testament to progress, resilience, and a commitment to inspire and grow.

Recovery means more than just fixing what’s broken. It involves using what’s within us to create something even more meaningful. Each of us has a role to play, and now is the time to step up—while our community’s needs are most pressing. The work of rebuilding is happening now, and your strengths are needed more than ever.

When you’ve been working hard but still feel stuck, it’s easy to assume that doubling down on effort is the answer. But have you ever felt that, despite your hard work, you’re not moving forward? That’s when many people turn to a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach and are surprised by what they discover. Often, the problem isn’t that they’re not talented enough—it’s that they’ve been relying on learned skills and constantly trying to overcome weaknesses instead of focusing on their natural strengths.

Have you ever wondered what ignited the strengths revolution in psychology? Imagine if the inspiration behind Donald Clifton's groundbreaking work came from an unlikely source—the world of superheroes. In this imaginative tale, we explore how a chance encounter with the legendary Edna Mode and the incredible Supers could have sparked the idea that focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses, is the key to unlocking human potential.

Listening might seem straightforward, but it’s much more than waiting for your turn to speak. Nichols and Straus emphasize that “The essence of listening is the effort to really hear what the other person is saying, even when you disagree.” This means listening with the goal of understanding, not just to respond. When you focus on understanding, you create space for deeper connection and insight.

We all want a deeper sense of purpose, but finding your "why" can sometimes feel out of reach. Simon Sinek’s "Find Your Why" provides a powerful framework to uncover what drives you. Aligning this process with CliftonStrengths® takes it to another level, making it more personal and impactful. Imagine hacking your purpose by understanding what makes you naturally unique. This approach puts you in the driver’s seat of your life.

When kids feel seen and valued for their strengths, they grow more confident, engaged, and ready to take on challenges. This approach not only boosts their success in school and social settings but also strengthens their connections with those who support them. When kids feel strong, seen, and valued, they don’t just get by—they soar.

Focusing on your one thing is powerful on its own, but pairing it with a strengths-based approach turns it into a game-changer. Using your top strengths allows you to pinpoint what’s most important and execute with clarity and confidence.

When you listen with your strengths, it’s more than a tactic—it’s a connection. Your clients notice when you tune into their needs with authenticity and insight. It’s the difference between a generic pitch and a personal conversation. It’s about knowing how you’d appreciate someone adjusting their approach for you, so you do the same for them. You listen differently because you get it.

Stress often signals a disconnect between what you’re doing and what you value. By understanding your strengths, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more in control of your actions. Your strengths provide a way to live more intentionally and find fulfillment. Embrace them, and you’ll find your ‘why’ is closer than you think.